The first log truck with a crane that runs on biogas has started to be driven in Sweden. Through the investment, Sveaskog, Hestra Åkeri and Sydved together take a step forward to be able to evaluate biogas operation as a possible route to fossil-free transport for forestry.
For two years, Hestra Åkeri, together with Volvo, has developed a biogas truck with a crane adapted to drive timber in the forest. Rundvirkesbilen will mainly drive for Sveaskog and Sydved, both of which are involved and support the venture.
“Transport accounts for a large part of the forest industry's total carbon dioxide emissions. In order to succeed in converting to sustainable forestry, it is of great importance that we find solutions to reduce the fossil footprint. Thanks to the project, together with Hestra and Sydved, we have the opportunity to be involved in following and driving the development of biogas for forestry,” says Anna Ahlin, technical specialist, Sveaskog.
Image: Sveaskog
A large part of the work to produce a roundwood car on biogas has been about making room for a crawler gearbox together with biogas tanks in terms of construction.
“In a log truck that runs on biogas, crawler gear is a prerequisite for being able to start a heavy crew on forest roads. Thanks to the work that has been done, we now have the opportunity to have the roundwood truck in regular flow. As transporters, we feel a great responsibility to be part of the development and contribute to the transition towards fossil-free transport,” says Patrik Lindgren, Hestra Åkeri.
The roundwood truck will be driven in Jönköping, Värnamo and Varberg with timber deliveries mainly on behalf of Sveaskog and Sydved.
Sveaskog is Sweden's largest forest owner and is owned by the Swedish state.
